Group wants NStar to cease herbicide use

BARNSTABLE — In comments on NStar's yearly operational plan submitted for state approval, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod says the utility's proposed use of herbicides on rights-of-way under high-voltage power lines would be detrimental to the Cape's groundwater and environment.

BARNSTABLE — In comments on NStar's yearly operational plan submitted for state approval, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod says the utility's proposed use of herbicides on rights-of-way under high-voltage power lines would be detrimental to the Cape's groundwater and environment.

The nonprofit environmental group noted a direct connection between surface and groundwater that is the only source of the Cape's drinking water. It said chemical contamination, including herbicides, was just beginning to be measured and understood.

"Unless NStar can guarantee that no chemical product will reach the groundwater or food chain, the Massachusetts Division of Agricultural Resources should not allow (the) use of herbicides by NStar," Edward DeWitt, the association's executive director, wrote.